# Investments in Action - Appalachian Regional Commission

- Catalyst Connection: Bringing a New Energy to Northern Appalachia  ARC&#8217;s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) is a funding opportunity driving large-scale, regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative projects. Launched in 2022 using funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) ARISE is strengthening Appalachian businesses and industries, and supporting the development of new opportunities across the region.&#160; Two of those industries are green [&#8230;]The post Catalyst Connection: Bringing a New Energy to Northern Appalachia  appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Southwestern Commission: Creating Space for Western North Carolina Food Entrepreneurs BIL funds are allowing the Western North Carolina farmers market construct a training facility that will serve 1,100 food producers. The post Southwestern Commission: Creating Space for Western North Carolina Food Entrepreneurs appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Western Maryland: Elevating the Outdoors Two Appalachian Maryland counties used BIL funds to expand outdoor recreation by attracting new businesses and more visitors.  The post Western Maryland: Elevating the Outdoors appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Buckeye Hills Regional Council: Making Community Visions a Reality in Ohio  Buckeye Hills Regional Council is using BIL funds to help the City of Athens revitalize historic buildings to meet community needs. The post Buckeye Hills Regional Council: Making Community Visions a Reality in Ohio  appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Hindman, KY: Overcoming Challenges and Upgrading Water Services  Using BIL funds, the City of Hindman was able to overcome cost barriers to critical water system upgrades. The post Hindman, KY: Overcoming Challenges and Upgrading Water Services  appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Mountwest Community & Technical College: Constructing a Greener Future in WV ARC’s POWER Initiative has invested millions to connect Appalachia’s students and workers with careers in emerging, high-growth industries – one of which is construction. This sector is struggling to find qualified workers to keep up with increasing demand. Furthermore, Appalachian communities continue to be faced with the lack of affordable housing and loss of jobs [&#8230;]The post Mountwest Community &#038; Technical College: Constructing a Greener Future in WV appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Appalachian Pennsylvania: $17.3 Million Awarded for Coal Community Revitalization Since 2015, ARC’s POWER Initiative has invested millions in projects working to create jobs, fuel new industries, and prepare students and workers for new opportunities in coal-impacted communities. ARC&#8217;s largest single POWER funding package to date was awarded in October 2023, with one state receiving an impressive 19 awards totaling $17.3 million – Pennsylvania.&#160;&#160; More [&#8230;]The post Appalachian Pennsylvania: $17.3 Million Awarded for Coal Community Revitalization appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Central Appalachia: Increasing Capital Access in Coal Communities ARC’s POWER Initiative has invested millions in projects working to create jobs and new economic opportunities in coal-impacted communities. A barrier to the creation of opportunity, however, is capital access. Without the money and credit needed to start a business, the ideas of home-grown entrepreneurs cannot be put into action – and neither can the [&#8230;]The post Central Appalachia: Increasing Capital Access in Coal Communities appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Tri-County Workforce Investment Board: Creating PA’s Semi-Conductor Workforce ARC’s POWER Initiative has invested millions to connect students and workers in coal-impacted communities with in-demand, high-growth industries. One such sector, semiconductor manufacturing, has been experiencing a global shortage since the COVID-19 pandemic. This has impacted the production of everything from home appliances and smart phones, to car keys and other everyday electronic goods. The [&#8230;]The post Tri-County Workforce Investment Board: Creating PA&#8217;s Semi-Conductor Workforce appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- New Vision Renewable Energy:  Empowering West Virginia’s At-Risk Youth   Since 2007, the number of children placed in foster care due to parental substance use disorder (SUD) has risen by 53%, per the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System. As with other SUD-related issues, this trend is disproportionately higher in Appalachian counties, such as Barbour County, West Virginia, where approximately 60% of school-aged [&#8230;]The post New Vision Renewable Energy:  Empowering West Virginia’s At-Risk Youth   appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.